Friday, May 9, 2008
No Spillage VantageCath Gets FDA Approval
VantageCath is a new peripheral IV catheter designed to not only prevent unexpected needlestick injuries, but also to eliminate the spillage of blood during the IV placement. The device is a product of a firm called Advantage Medical Devices from Solana Beach, CA.
From the product page:
The VantageCath is an innovative peripheral Intravenous (IV) Catheter Safety System designed to significantly reduce blood borne pathogen exposure without compromising the "pop and glide" that users want and need. Utilizing a patented "closed hub" design, blood is contained during the entire cannulation and needle retraction process. This eliminates the need to tamponade above the site of the IV catheter and allows the provider to have both hands free to secure the IV and attach tubing using sterile technique.In addition to the protection from blood borne pathogen exposure delivered by the VantageCath, there are many features that providers and patients will appreciate:
Built-in saline lock
Improved flash for confident cannulation
Safe and easy blood draws
Rapid delivery of life saving drugs -- 20% reduction in tubing distance
Eliminates need to loop tubing
Built-in needle-free access
Flawless needle retraction mechanism
Rotating L-Tube allows for easy access to luer-lock port Frontline providers have had to make do with the safety engineered IV catheters made available to them in the clinical setting; compromising their relationships with patients who must endure multiple sticks, a bloody mess and the risk of an infection. The VantageCath offers a significant improvement in protection and utility. More importantly, the opportunity to gain back the confidence that the patient's IV start will be safe and effective.
The video:
Product page: VantageCath...
Press release: Advantage Medical Devices Receives FDA Clearance for VantageCath...
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Monday, May 5, 2008
Controllable Peristaltic Micro-pump
German engineers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg (Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoffmechanik) took a lesson from the GI track, and developed a miniature pump that can be designed for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic tasks, thanks to its precise mechanics:
An innovative micro-pump makes it possible for tiny quantities of liquid – such as medicines – to be dosed accurately and flexibly. Active composites and an electronic control mechanism ensure that the low-maintenance pump works accurately – both forwards and backwards.Medicines sometimes have to be administered in extremely small quantities. Just a few tenths of a milliliter may be sufficient to give the patient the ideal treatment. Micro-pumps greatly facilitate the dosage of minute quantities. Pumps like these have been built and constantly optimized for over 25 years. They find application in numerous areas – from medical engineering to microproduction technology – wherever tiny volumes have to be variably dosed with extreme accuracy.
However, these micro-pump systems are usually not as flexible as desired: They often work in only one direction, bubbles in the liquid impair their operation, they do not tolerate bothersome particles, they have a fixed pump output and they contain expendable parts such as valves or cogwheels. Together with partners from research institutes and industry, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg have developed an innovative pump system that solves all these problems: a controllable peristaltic micro-pump. “The peristaltic pump is a highly complex system,” explains IWM project manager Dr. Bärbel Thielicke. “It contracts in waves in a similar way to the human esophagus, and thus propels the liquid along – it changes shape of its own accord. To achieve this, we had to use a whole range of different materials and special material composites.” The researchers use lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) films that are joined in a suitable way with bending elements made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and a flexible tube. “PZT materials change their shape as soon as you apply an electric field to them. This makes it possible to control the pump system electronically,” says Thielicke. Special adhesives additionally hold the various components of the pump system together. Thanks to the special control electronics, tiny quantities can be pumped accurately through the system.
The peristaltic pump system has already passed its first functional tests. Now the researchers are working to adapt the peristaltic micro-pump to the various different applications.
Full story: Smart miniature pump...
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
OneTouch UltraLink Meter OK'ed by FDA
OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter is a newly FDA approved glucometer from Medtronic, that features wireless information transfer to the company's MiniMed Paradigm® insulin pump via a proprietary protocol, with a goal of a tighter glycemic control:
From yesterday's press release:
Medtronic, Inc. today announced that the FDA has cleared the OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter as the new wireless meter exclusively certified by Medtronic to wirelessly communicate with Medtronic diabetes management products in the United States. This new meter uses Medtronic-certified wireless technology to transmit glucose readings directly to MiniMed Paradigm® insulin pumps and the Guardian® REAL-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. This makes bolus dosing more accurate and easier for patients compared to the manual entry of blood glucose readings.The OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter is the newest addition to the long-trusted OneTouch® Meter Family - the number one prescribed meter brand - and uses OneTouch® Ultra® Test Strips, the number-one selling test strip in the United States. Data transmitted from the OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter can be viewed via Medtronic’s proprietary CareLink™ Therapy Management Software, the only software that integrates meter, logbook, insulin pump and real-time continuous glucose monitoring information to help patients and physicians more easily assess and manage diabetes...
Medtronic is actively working to provide the OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter to all of its customers as soon as possible, and is taking a staged product launch approach. All new U.S. customers who order a MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time System or Guardian® REAL-Time System will receive the OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter at no charge. The company will immediately start shipping the new meters at no charge to eligible U.S. customers, and plans to complete this process later this year.
Medtronic currently markets the MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System – the world’s only insulin pump with REAL-Time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time System has all of the benefits of CGM plus the added value of precise insulin delivery through the use of insulin pump therapy.
Product page: OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter...
Press release: Medtronic Announces FDA Clearance of New OneTouch® Ultralink™ Blood Glucose Meter...
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Monday, April 28, 2008
Diabetic Gadgets by Sascha Morawetz
Diabetics continue to complain about the lack of visual design and ergonomic considerations put into the hundreds of devices that are available on the market, 
and looking back on previous decades makes one want to cry. Designer Sascha Morawetz created two concepts that are pleasure to the eye, and hopefully one day useful for the body. Ninos AS, a nebulizer, may be the foreshadow of the holy grail that Mr Mann is searching for, and the Ninos GL is the quest of the rest of the diabetes device industry.
The inhaler, dubbed “Ninos AS”, generates an insulin aerosol, replacing the common insulin pen. A special thread allows an exact adjustment of the insulin dose. Incorporating a bloodless glucose measurement system, the “Ninos GL” can also be used as a diary, useful for collecting statistics for optimizing therapy.
More from Yanko Design...
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Xhale's Breathalyzer Technology Monitors Patient Drug Compliance
Researchers at the University of Florida are conducting trials on a device that can identify whether a patient has taken a prescribed medication on a regular basis, according to a press release from the university. The Self-Monitoring And Reporting Therapeutics (SMART™) monitor used in the HIV/AIDS trial is from Gainesville, FL-based Xhale, Inc, which says that its technology "enables the creation of a breath-detectable version of any pharmaceutical drug." The system seems to be based on the detection of 2-butanol "taggant," that can be incorporated into a gel capsule.
The University of Florida explains:
“The machine sits in your home and when it’s time for you to take your medication, it makes a beeping noise. If you don’t hit a button after about five minutes, it’s going to beep louder and louder until you come,” Melker said. [Dr. Richard Melker, professor of anesthesiology at the UF College of Medicine and chief technology officer for Xhale --ed.] “If you don’t come after a certain amount of time, the machine can call the clinical trial coordinator and indicate that subject or patient didn’t take the medication as prescribed.”The device, which is slightly smaller than a shoebox, records the results of each breath test, allowing patients to bring a memory card or USB key to the clinic once a month and receive a printout of their results. Eventually, the researchers hope to reduce the size of their detection device to fit inside a cell phone. But for now, they’re satisfied that the technology works.
“The doctor can see how often you took it and exactly what time. If it made the patient really sick or dizzy and they didn’t take it, they can find out why,” Melker said. “It’s not just a question of did I or didn’t I take it, but when you took it or why you didn’t take it.”
The researchers developed the adherence monitor by incorporating minute amounts of an alcohol into a gel capsule. The additive, called 2-butanol, is one of many GRAS — Generally Recognized as Safe — compounds approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in foods.
“We wanted (patients) to swallow a chemical and have it transform into something else that’s easy to monitor,” said Matthew Booth, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the UF College of Medicine and an investigator in the study. “When it hits the stomach lining and liver, an enzyme converts the alcohol to a gas that can be measured in the breath.”
Product page: Xhale's Self-Monitoring And Reporting Therapeutics (SMART™) technology...
Press release: Scientists test device to track medication adherence in patients with HIV/AIDS
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Monday, April 21, 2008
VENTIlogic Promises Intelligent Home Ventilation
Weinmann Geräte für Medizin GmbH + Co. KG (as Weinmann company is officially known) is planning to profile its line of ventilators at the upcoming annual convention of the German Society of Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care Medicine. The highlight of the event will be a presentation of the company's new VENTIlogic ventilator, a device designed for at home respiratory support.
This new blower can be integrated into a larger system called "Ventilation Workstation":
It features one of the most innovative home ventilation devices (VENTIlogic) developed by the company interacting with a monitoring unit, transcutaneous blood gas monitoring, an optional blood gas analysis and a suction pump for secretion removal. The most important ventilation and blood gas parameters are shown in curves and trend diagrams on a monitor. All the components will be presented on a special trolley for the system's mobile temporary use, for example, during post-operative ventilation, in the intermediate care unit or in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. "We would like to show users what a complete mobile system solution looks like and the benefits it offers," said Jörg Mielenz, product and ventilation specialist at Weinmann.The innovative VENTIlogic is the first "intelligent" home mechanical ventilator whose patented TAV (Timed-Adaptive Ventilation) mode anticipates the patient's respiratory pattern and thus significantly increases therapy compliance. Under controlled ventilation of patients with a weakened respiratory pump, "respirator fighting" can often be observed. The patient unconsciously begins to breathe against the rhythm of the ventilator, which puts a greater strain on the respiratory pump. This "fighting" is so unpleasant that the patient's therapy compliance declines. "A potentially high unloading of the respiratory pump was often connected in the past with lower therapy compliance and consequently with low therapeutic effectiveness." Mielenz said. "Ventilators that are triggered by the patient's spontaneous breathing and are therefore found to be more pleasant, however, relieve the respiratory muscles to a lesser extent and lead to hyperventilation of the patient." The innovative TA mode in VENTIlogic makes it possible for the first time to combine the high compliance of spontaneous ventilation modes with the high unloading (about 90%) of controlled ventilation modes.
When combined with the new oxygen valve VENTI-O2 plus, the VENTIlogic ventilation device can safely and reliably provide up to 15 liters of oxygen to the patient, for example, during the weaning phase. A change in the safety concept for VENTIlogic has made this possible. From now on the device fulfills the requirements of the current ISO EN 60601-1 norm for fire protection even as it applies to the delivery of large volumes of oxygen. For compliance purposes, the air-tightness of the air and oxygen conducting components in the device was improved, an optimized power unit was installed and new fire-resistant materials were used. The optimized "new" VENTIlogic will be available as of the middle of May.
The last statement is for the German audience. We are not aware that the device has been OK'ed by the FDA or by the Canadian authorities.
Product page: VENTIlogic...
Press release: Ventilation Systems newly defined -- Weinmann at DAC (.pdf) ...
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
GeeWhiz Condom Catheter: It's Medicare Approved - Diapers Are Not!
For the latest in leak proof convenience and comfort, check out the GeeWhiz Condom Catheter from Leading Edge Innovations Inc., the winner of this year's Medical Design Excellence Awards.
According to the manufacturer, the product "has a fantastically high satisfaction rating by the patients and as important, their caregivers." We can't wait to try it on:
Patented & Patent Pending Technology for a "leak proof" seal No glue or skin adhesives required. The GeeWhiz® is easy to apply -- by one's self or your caregiver It's also easy to remove It features a quick connect and disconnect for use at day or night It has a leak proof seal so you can rest assured Cannot accidentally be removed
We are skeptical about the last point: if they can pull out central lines and chest tubes, they can definitely pull off an external condom catheter.
Product page: GeeWhiz and Sizing Guide...
Press release: 33 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...
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Monday, April 14, 2008
NovoFine Autocover, a Needle for Insulin Injection
Though not a new product, the NovoFine® Autocover® needle for insulin injection from Novo Nordisk is worth mentioning, primarily because it was just recognized at the eleventh annual Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA).
NovoFine® Autocover® is designed to conceal the needle during injection and may therefore help diabetes patients overcome needle anxiety. As many as 10% of people with diabetes suffer from a fear of needles, to the point where they actually avoid injections.NovoFine® Autocover® has currently been launched in the US, UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, France and Ireland. It is used with the Novo Nordisk FlexPen® and other Novo Nordisk insulin injection devices.
Product page: NovoFine® Autocover®...
Press releases: Novo Nordisk wins design award for NovoFine® Autocover®...; 33 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
World's First Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter
Via Turner Medical, we learned that Plymouth, Minnesota based manufacturer Nonin Medical just released the world's first wireless pulse oximeter that should easily interact with other devices through the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile (MDP) protocol.
Store & Forward MemoryEnsures ultimate versatility by allowing patients to take readings outside of the home and transmit the time-stamped data once they return. The Onyx II 9560's memory storage provides up to a minimum of 20 single point measurements.
SmartPoint™ Technology
SmartPoint Technology eliminates the guesswork of determining which oximetry values to use for analysis. Using a sophisticated algorithm, it provides a fast and accurate snapshot of the patient's SpO2 and pulse rate. The Onyx II 9560 sends the SmartPoint spot-check measurement typically 30 seconds from turn-on.
Extended Range
The Onyx II 9560 provides an extended range of up to 100 meters (Class I).
Patient Proof
Unmatched durability for the home care environment, we've made the Onyx II 9560 rugged to take a beating day after day. The most widely used fingertip oximeter comes with no wires or cables to hassle with, an automatic turn on/turn off, and as convenient and easy-to-use as possible.
Power Saver
Unlike traditional Bluetooth devices, the Onyx II 9560 has a new power saving feature that automatically adjusts transmitted power based on distance from the main unit. This unique feature allows for approximately 600 spot checks on 2 AAA batteries.
Press release: Nonin® Medical unveils world's first Bluetooth®-enabled, wireless fingertip pulse oximeter ...
Product page: Onyx II 9560
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Positive Results for Echo Therapeutics' Noninvasive Glucometer
Echo Therapeutics out of Franklin, MA just announced positive results from the first study of their Prelude™ skin prep, a "next generation, needle-free, non-invasive skin permeation medium," designed for the Symphony™ transdermal glucose monitoring system (tGMS). The study was meant to evaluate the feasibility of using the Symphony™ on people.
From the press release:
Results of the feasibility study on healthy subjects demonstrate that Prelude safely and effectively permeated the skin so that the Symphony tCGM System could continuously monitor blood glucose levels reliably over a 24-hour period. Echo plans to use Prelude in the remaining pilot and pivotal clinical studies necessary to commercialize the Symphony tCGM System, including clinical studies scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year.Prelude incorporates Echo's patented skin permeation control feedback technology into a comfortable, wireless, hand-held device used to prepare a small area of the skin for the non-invasive, biosensor and monitoring components of its Symphony tCGM system.
Study Design
The feasibility study was designed to evaluate the performance of Prelude as part of Echo's current generation Symphony tCGM System. Six (6) adult subjects, each without a history of diabetes, were enrolled. The skin of each subject was prepared using Prelude and a Symphony tCGM System biosensor was applied to the skin site. The study subjects were free to continue their routine activities at home and at work. Blood glucose (BG) references were taken every hour, or more frequently during the waking period, for comparison with Symphony results generated from Echo's past-generation, ultrasound-based skin permeation system. The Symphony biosensor remained on the patient and analyzed glucose levels for 24 hours...
Using nearly 144 hours of continuous data from Symphony and 183 reference BG measurements from the 6 study subjects in a home use setting with self-administration, Clarke Error Grid analysis of the study data showed that Symphony had 100% of the data in the combined A and B regions with approximately 90% in the "A" region. No data points showed in the C, D and E regions. The MARD for the study was 9.0%. There were no Prelude or Symphony failures and no adverse events, indicating strong reliability of Prelude as the skin permeation medium for Symphony.
Product page: Symphony™ tCGM System
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Philips HD7
Philips is introducing in the United States its new general purpose, modestly priced ultrasound system, the Philips HD7:
The system provides grayscale and color Doppler imaging with simple one button optimization, as well as Tissue Harmonic Imaging. In addition, the HD7 features a wide array of transducers, an adjustable flat panel LCD monitor, proven system architecture, and advanced imaging, measurement and quantification technologies.The Philips HD7 system addresses basic scanning needs while adding new technology and design advances that help improve image quality. Developed with clinicians in mind, the ergonomic, easy-to-use system can meet the demands for high-volume use in cardiovascular, OB/GYN, anesthesiology, oncology, electrophysiology, stress echo, pediatric, orthopedic, urologic, emergency and other applications.
Like all Philips ultrasound systems, the HD7 has a broadband digital beamformer to capture and preserve more tissue information than conventional narrowband systems and its wide dynamic range and digital focal tuning provide exceptional sensitivity and detail resolution. Features such as iSCAN one button image optimization, multiple transducer ports, DICOM connectivity, and easy data recording to CD or USB, position the HD7 well against other modestly priced ultrasound systems. In addition, optional off-line QLAB quantification software capability allows clinicians to perform post-examination image review and analysis on a PC. Further enhancing the system’s usability is a Study Guide on disk that quickly equips clinicians to use the advanced features of the HD7.
The system can accommodate a range of Philips' transducers for all kinds of clinical applications.
Product page: HD7 Ultrasound System...
Press release: Philips HD7 ultrasound system now commercially available in the United States...
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Monday, April 7, 2008
DRE Medical Introduces World's Smallest ECG System
DRE Inc, a Louisville, KY company, is now distributing its tiny 12 lead ECG system equipped with an interpretation software and other goodies:
The FDA-approved Universal ECG portable PC-based ECG is the most compact and precise PC-based ECG on the market. It connects directly to most desktop PCs, laptops and Pocket PCs running Microsoft® Windows® XP or 2000 and performs resting ECG anytime, anywhere. EKG results are displayed on the computer screen for rapid assessment.DRE distributes the Universal ECG at a price that is less expensive than most standalone EKG machines. The Universal ECG provides additional cost savings upon use: It allows physicians to print EKG reports on standard computer paper, reducing thermal paper costs by as much as $700 per year. The Universal ECG also requires no calibration or annual maintenance and it draws all power from the PC, eliminating battery costs.
The Universal ECG provides automatic measurement analysis and narrative interpretation using the sophisticated Louvaine Algorithm. According to a clinical study, the Louvaine Algorithm has the best total accuracy when compared with algorithms used by leading competitors. The study also found that the Louvaine Algorithm diagnoses Myocardial Infarction more accurately than competing algorithms.
DRE sells the Universal ECG with all components necessary for measuring 12-lead EKG data. It includes:
Intuitive software for collecting, storing and analyzing data on a laptop, desktop PC or Pocket PC Free networking software that lets physicians collect data in more than one location and store results on a single database Software used to move data from one database to another The Universal ECG is available from DRE in a 12-lead interpretive version and a six-lead non-interpretive version.
Press release: DRE Medical Equipment Distributes Compact, Cost-Effective PC-Based ECG
Product page: Universal ECG™ Portable PC-Based 12-Lead ECG
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
BreathID Sniffs Success, Eyes FDA Approval
Medgadget readers might recall our May, 2006 coverage of the BreathID® System, an electronic breath analysis device designed to evaluate overall liver function in patients with chronic hepatic diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. According to the latest report in the Globes:
Exalenz Bioscience Ltd. has applied to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing approval of the company's BreathID device following completion of a clinical trial on 500 patients.The trial was conducted at Hadassah Medical Organization in Ein Kerem, Kings College in London, and in Zurich. The trial aimed at diagnosing liver damage caused by cirrhosis and hepatic impairment. The BreathID diagnostic device achieved 90% accuracy compared with biopsies, which are considered the "gold standard".
Going back to the basics, here's an overview of the BreathID technology:
The BreathID System is a revolutionary platform capable of assessing a range of liver and gastrointestinal disorders via molecular analysis of the patient's exhaled breath. The system is the only breath-testing technology that provides continuous, automatic and real-time patient monitoring and data analysis. BreathID uses a clinically proven, sophisticated laser-like light source to pinpoint real-time changes in 13C/12C isotope ratios at an accuracy level of single parts per million. It is a paradigm change in the way liver and GI disorders are assessed and managed. Covered by more than 60 patents and patent applications worldwide, the BreathID system is one of the most versatile and advanced diagnostic platforms for hepatologists and gastroenterologists in today`s medical environment.BreathID® is a proven, breath-testing system that incorporates a number of proprietary core technologies - such as Microstream®, MCS™ (Molecular Correlation Spectroscopy), CRT™ (Continuous Real Time) and online analysis algorithms that are protected by a series of patents and patent applications.
The BreathID combination of advanced technologies allows for automatic, continuous and real-time breath sampling and analysis. This ensures highly accurate results and the shortest possible test duration. Moreover, the system is portable so that tests can be conducted in any clinical setting.
BreathID Technology Process
Product page: BreathID Technology...
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Transave Liposomal Technology for Lung Diseases Like Cystic Fibrosis
Transave Inc., a Monmouth, N.J., biotech firm developing a range of inhaled drugs for lung diseases, is reporting that its lead product candidate, ARIKACE™, a liposomal inhalation formulation of amikacin, "may have the ability to penetrate mucus and biofilms, and decrease the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, according to results of a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy."
So we went ahead, and checked out the sustained-release liposomal technology behind the company's products, and here's what we have found on Transave's website:
Transave's proprietary liposomal technology is designed specifically for delivery of pharmaceuticals to the lung and provides for potential improvements to the conventional inhalation methods of delivering drug to the pulmonary system. Transave's proprietary technology provides potential advantages over conventional methods of inhalation therapy in terms of efficacy, safety and patient convenience.Underpinning these potential advantages are the following four factors:
Sustained delivery of drug to the lung – The liposomes provide for a relatively sustained release of drug to the lung, which may be important in treating certain bacterial infections that have a significant pulmonary component. Maintenance of anti-bacterial levels in the lung above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for prolonged time periods is an important component in the effectiveness of antibiotics; the area under the concentration curve (AUC) reflects drug exposure;
Endogenous lipid excipients – The lipid components of Transave's compounds are the same as those in the lung's pulmonary surfactant, which may ensure a more natural metabolism and clearance than polymeric drug delivery systems. This may reduce the chance of adverse reactions;
High efficiency encapsulation – Transave's liposomes are designed to encapsulate very high concentrations of drug into relatively small liposome structures. This efficiency allows Transave's compact, drug-laden liposomes to physically penetrate bacteria-generated mucoid biofilms in pre-clinical models. Importantly, these liposomes deliver drug effectively near the bacteria as drug is released because of specific lytic factors that exist inside the biofilms;
Charge-neutral liposomes – Transave's liposomes can be charge neutral, which may be an important factor in penetration of any patient mucus and bacterial biofilm. A positive charge, such as that naturally found with cationic antibiotics, can prevent the penetration of these molecules into the mucus and bacterial biofilm, due to the natural negative charge of these biological surfaces.
Transave's liposomal technology can be used for the successful delivery of low molecular weight products like classic pharmaceuticals as well as high molecular weight compounds such as peptides, proteins and genes. Transave's unique lipid-based delivery systems are not dependent on the inhalation device and can be administered either as a nebulized aerosol spray or as a dry powder.
A goal of localized targeting of drugs using this unique delivery system is to reduce systemic toxicity by minimizing the exposure of non-disease sites to the drug. Another potential benefit may be enhanced efficacy as a result of larger amounts of the drug being delivered directly to the site of disease.
In addition to amikacin, the company is working on Inhaled Cisplatin Lipid Complex, a chemo agent with hope for primary lung CA, osteosarcoma lung mets, and bronchoalveolar carcinoma.
Product page: Transave Proprietary Liposomal Technology...
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
ARUP Consult: The Physician's Guide to Lab Test Selection and Interpretation
Our wise readers probably have been using this website for a couple of decades now, but for us it's been a new and interesting discovery. ARUP Consult, a collaborative website run by Utah-based ARUP Laboratories with help from an expert panel of University of Utah medical faculty, is described as a "dynamic tool to provide instant, electronic, point-of-care access to laboratory testing information, help with test selection and decision making, and test interpretation for more than 750 laboratory tests." The information offered through ARUP Consult can be accessed either via the Web or PDA. The website offers more than 1,500 lab tests categorized into disease-related topics, as well as a number of clinical decision-making algorithms. Our staff anesthesiologists were particularly drawn to the Porphyrias Testing Algorithm that is illustrated at the bottom of the post.
A representative for ARUP Consult tells the following to Medgadget:
New and updated information is “published” every two months and each topic or disease receives a thorough annual review to ensure current and correct information. In an industry where nearly 80 percent of major medical decisions are based on lab test results it is extremely important to know which tests to order, why, how to interpret them and which steps to take next. Physicians don’t have the time or resources to stay current on a lab industry that constantly changes with improved techniques and assays. However, getting tests right the first time and having a resource at your fingertips to improve diagnostic capabilities will not only save valuable time and money to both physician and patient, but will ensure optimum patient care.We saw more than $50 billion spent last year in laboratory testing and over 10 percent or more of that was unnecessary… and this is not counting patient downstream costs and unnecessary therapy. ARUP Consult fills a giant gap in patient diagnostics.
Porphyrias Testing Algorithm:
ARUP Consult: The Physician's Guide to Laboratory Test Selection and Interpretation...
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Diaton Tonometer Approved in Canada
BiCOM, Inc., a Long Beach, NY company that we have covered before, is reporting that its hand-held transpalpebral (through the eyelid) tonometer, designed for the diagnosis of glaucoma, has now been approved for marketing in Canada. Health Canada's approval will now complement USA FDA and CE MARK clearances. Given the fact that glaucoma is often painless and very devastating, one can only hope that this device will find widespread use not only in ophthalmologist offices, but also in primary care clinics and such.
From the press release:
Diaton tonometry - a new trans-palpebral and trans-scleral methodology has received the Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Research and new Technology in Geneva & the Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Innovation Research and New Technology - "Brussels Eureca".Portability, safety and simplicity make Tonometer Diaton ideal for a wide range of applications: for mass glaucoma screening of the population, at the patient's bedside, in geriatrics homes, in children hospitals, for the military and for home use.
Diaton Tonometer is intended for use by Inpatient & Outpatient Clinics such as Hospitals, Emergency Rooms, Nursing & Elderly Homes, General & Specialty Practitioners as well as Ophthalmologists and Optometrists.
Tonometer Diaton is the ideal solution in the following cases when the use of other devices is problematic or impossible:
mass prophylactic screening of patients;
IOP control during clinical observation of glaucoma patients;
ortoclinostatical probe, as an additional test to diagnose glaucoma and during select the adequate hypotensive therapy;
ophthalmotone monitoring (even at night time);
IOP measuring during contact correction (lenses are not taken out),
IOP measuring in immobilized patients;
IOP measuring in children.
on patients with the following conditions: chronic conjunctivitis, cornea pathology, including keratitis, keratotone, cornea dimness, after penetrating keratoplastics, keratoprosthesis, laser refractive correction of the eyesight, high degree of ametropy, astigmatism;
on patients with medicinal allergies;
Lasik/ PRK (recent clinical trials have proved that Diaton is the only device that can be used for IOP measurement right after these surgeries) Diaton tonometer is a perfect device for mass screenings for glaucoma for any age group. Undiagnosed and untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in all age groups - from babies to senior citizens. Everyone needs to get diagnosed to preserve eyesight.
Product page: Diaton Tonometer...
Press release: BiCOM Obtains Health Canada Approval for Tonometer Diaton, Unique Glaucoma Eye Test Through Eyelid...
Flashback: Tonometry Through The Eyelid
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Monday, March 24, 2008
Mobile Flu Detection Device Unveiled
STMicroelectronics, based out of Geneva, Switzerland, and Veredus Laboratories from Singapore, have announced the launch of their portable influenza detection device. The VereFlu is touted as being the first mobile lab-on-a-chip influenza detector.
Combining STMicroelectronics’ In-Check™ lab-on-chip platform with Veredus’ bio-application capability, VereFlu is the market’s first test which has integrated two powerful molecular biological applications in a lab-on-chip the size of a fingernail. It can identify and differentiate human strains of Influenza A and B viruses, including the Avian Flu strain H5N1, in a single test.A miniature laboratory on a chip, ST’s In-Check platform allows users to accurately and reliably process and analyze minute patient samples – human blood, serum or respiratory swabs - on a single disposable thumbnail-sized chip. This approach reduces the time and complexity, as well as the risk of cross-contamination inherent in conventional analysis methods.
Press release: STMicroelectronics and Veredus Laboratories Launch Market's First Lab-on-Chip for Rapid Molecular Flu Detection at Point of Need
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Friday, March 21, 2008
NextGen Pharmaceuticals: Pills That Talk, Sensors That Listen
MIT Technology Review is reporting on Proteus Biomedical, a Redwood City, California company, which is working on electronic pills, and accompanying sensors, that can virtually guarantee prescription regiment compliance and provide basic information about the body's condition before and after ingestion.
In the Raisin system, each pill contains an "ingestible event marker" (IEM). The IEM consists of a sand-grain-size microchip with a thin-film battery that is activated on ingestion, as it is exposed to water. The battery, Proteus says, is nontoxic because it is made from materials similar to those in a vitamin pill. Once swallowed, the IEM sends through the body's tissues a high-frequency electrical current that's modulated in such a way that it provides a unique marker of the pill. It's not an RFID technology: it uses the conductive tissues of the body to conduct the signal, rather than a radio, and the signal is confined within the body. Mark Zdeblick, the company's CTO, says that the IEMs could cost less than a penny each when manufactured in volume.The electrical current is picked up and logged by a receiver on a patch placed on the patient's chest or abdomen, or placed underneath the skin as a subcutaneous insert. The receiver also contains sensors that monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration, and bodily movement. Heart rate is monitored by detecting the electrical activity of the heart; respiration is monitored by detecting changes in the impedance of the electrodes as the chest expands and contracts; activity is monitored with a miniature accelerometer, similar to the ones in iPhones. Combining the parameters can reveal behavioral measures such as sleep patterns.
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